Galligan Family Dentistry

06/01/2026

Many patients are surprised when they hear they need a crown instead of a filling.

The recommendation is not usually based on the size of the cavity alone. Dentists also evaluate how much healthy tooth structure remains, whether cracks are present, and how much force the tooth absorbs during everyday chewing.

In some cases, a filling is the right solution. In others, a crown may provide better long-term protection.

Learn more in our latest article:

Learn the difference between when you need a filling or a crown, and what North Raleigh patients should know before treatment.

05/19/2026

A lot of people start looking for a new dentist by searching insurance lists or choosing the office closest to home.

Over time though, most families realize things like communication, consistency, comfort, and trust usually matter much more.

That is especially true for households trying to coordinate care for children, adults, and seniors all in one place.

We recently put together a new article covering what North Raleigh families may want to consider when choosing a long-term dental office, including preventive care, dental anxiety, restorative treatment philosophy, and what actually tends to matter after the first appointment is over.

Read the full article here:

Looking for a family dentist in North Raleigh? Learn what to consider when choosing a dental office for children, adults, and seniors.

05/11/2026

At 1:00 AM this morning, the Galligan Family Dentistry family grew by one very tiny new member. 💕

World, meet Stella. Stella, meet the world!
Dr. Abigail W. Scanlan welcomed her daughter early this morning and is doing well as she begins maternity leave and enjoys these first moments with her growing family.

Our patients will continue to be in excellent hands while she recovers, with Dr. Galligan and Dr. Festa helping care for the practice during her time away.

Thank you to our patients especially for all of the kindness, encouragement, and support you’ve shown our family-run practice throughout this exciting chapter.

Want to support our family and our team during this exciting time? Give us a call to schedule your next visit, whether that’s while Dr. Scanlan is away on maternity leave or after she returns this July.

(919) 977-1870

05/10/2026

05/07/2026

Tooth pain rarely happens at a convenient time.

Whether it’s swelling, a broken tooth, an infection, or sudden dental pain, knowing what’s actually considered a dental emergency, and what to do next, can make a big difference.

We put together a guide covering:
• When to call a dentist vs go to the ER
• What to do if a tooth breaks or gets knocked out
• How gum infections and swelling are treated
• What same-day emergency dental care looks like

If you’re in North Raleigh, Wake Forest, Bedford, or nearby and need help, we do our best to see emergency patients as quickly as possible.

Read more here:

Need an emergency dentist near you? Get same-day dental care in North Raleigh for tooth pain, swelling, or broken teeth. Call now for fast relief.

04/28/2026

Missing a tooth, or dealing with one that may not be savable?

A lot of patients don’t realize how many options there are today, and how different those options can feel long term.

From bridges to dentures to implants, each choice comes with trade-offs. The right decision depends on your goals, your comfort, and your long-term health.

We put together a simple guide to help you understand your options before making a decision.

If you’re in North Raleigh, Wake Forest, or nearby, this is a great place to start.

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Read this article to better understand your tooth replacement options including bridges, implant restorations, and dentures, and more.

04/15/2026

“I hate the dentist.”

We hear that more often than you’d think.

And usually, it doesn’t come from nowhere. It comes from past experiences, fear of pain, or just not knowing what to expect.

The truth is, dentistry has changed. A lot.

Most patients today are surprised by how comfortable their visit actually is, especially with modern numbing techniques and a more patient-focused approach.

We put together a simple guide to explain dental anxiety, the different levels of care available, and what might be right for you.

If you’ve been putting off a visit because of fear, this is a good place to start.

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If you’ve ever felt nervous about going to the dentist, our Raleigh office helps you understand Dental Anxiety and Your Options for Care.

04/14/2026

Missing a tooth or already have a dental implant?

A lot of people don’t realize the implant itself is only part of the process. The real function and appearance come from the restoration, the crown or prosthetic that completes your smile.

If you’ve been told you need an implant, or already have one placed, this breaks down exactly what happens next, what to expect, and how it all comes together.

If you’re in North Raleigh, Wake Forest, or nearby, this is worth a quick read.

👉 https://galliganfamilydentistry.com/dental-implant-restoration-crown-healing-cap/

04/03/2026

Tiny teeth. Big first step. 🦷

If you’ve got a 1–2 year old, their first dental visit doesn’t need to be stressful.

Our “lap visits” are exactly what they sound like, your child sits with you while we take a quick, gentle look and make it fun and easy.

It’s all about getting them comfortable early so future visits feel normal, not scary.

Want to know what to expect?

A lap visit is a short, gentle dental appointment for toddlers between the ages of 1 and 2 with no sharp instruments, cleanings, or pressure.

03/26/2026

Most people think a cavity is just… a cavity.

It’s not.

Some form in grooves you can’t fully clean.
Some hide between teeth where you can’t see them.
Others develop near the gums or even under old fillings.

And not all of them hurt.

That’s why the type of cavity matters. It affects how it’s treated, how serious it is, and how much of your tooth can still be saved.

If you’ve ever wondered what your dentist actually means when they say “you have a cavity,” this will help:

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Learn the different types of cavities, where they form, how they are treated, and why catching tooth decay early simplifies conservative care